Regarding the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who had been held by Hamas forces for the past five years, American Council for World Jewry Chairman Jack Rosen said this:

"The release of Gilad Shalit and his return after five terrible years in solitary confinement is a great relief for his traumatized family, even at the cost of having to shorten the prison terms of confirmed murderers. Those who are skeptical about the wisdom of a deal that might lead to fresh acts of terrorism will cheer this day if it can lead both sides to use this moment to pivot away from hostilities and adopt bold, new policies that produce peace and security for all."

It is our hope that on this day we are now one step closer to achieving peace.